Dear Parents,

Being a student is hard work!  I have been thinking about all of the challenges that our students face (within and outside of BES), and I am amazed and impressed with how successful they are able to be each day.  Schools are strange because as soon as a student becomes proficient at something, we make it a little more difficult for them.  I started my career in education as a math teacher and saw the looks of horror from students when they had mastered operations with whole numbers only to discover the existence of fractions, decimals and percents!  In school, each day is different, and each year is more challenging than the next.  

In other words, life in school is one of constant change. Helping students learn strategies to successfully handle change is one of the most important things we can do for our students.  At Bradford Elementary our staff works hard to provide students with what they need.  This looks different for each student and is predicated on a caring, knowledgeable staff that is committed to knowing every student.

Being a student is hard work.  As we all know, being an adult is not any easier.  Because life is filled with challenges, and because the elementary years are so crucial, we need to make the most of each school day. Next week’s vacation is coming at a perfect time.  Our community is in need of some well-deserved rest so that we can come back on the 27th, ready to continue our work.  

I hope everyone has a safe and happy break.

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 20: PTO Mtg @ 6:30pm in the library

Feb 25: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 29: 6th Grade VS staff Hockey game @ 6pm in the gym

 

NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 20-24

 

THE BOARD CORNER

This week's board meeting included updates about Summertime Theater and Guidance.  The board reviewed several policies and adopted a previously reviewed policy on Prevention of Harassment of Students.  A copy of the policy manual is available in the school library and at the school office.  The board interviewed Angela Conrad-Schlager for the open position on the Oxbow Board.  Matthew Brankman presented the principal's report which included reports about piloting the Mango on-line language learning system at the school as well as winter program.  Our next meeting is on Monday, February 27 at 6pm.  Have a wonderful vacation!

 

FREE & REDUCED MEAL FORMS AVAILABLE- BY APPLYING YOU CAN HELP OUR STUDENTS! 

Have your financial circumstances changed?

The State of Vermont would like to have 100% of our families fill out an application for Free and Reduced Meals. BES qualifies for many programs based on the number of Free and Reduced applications.  We encourage you to apply and we will notify you immediately if you qualify. There is complete confidentiality regarding any level of financial support a child may be receiving. Children come through the serving line in alphabetical order and are scanned using barcode information.  Please contact the office for a form.

 

It’s Tax Season!  Time to Save Money and Eat Well

Now that tax season is here again, remember to spread the word about the important link between the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), 3SquaresVT and free school meals. If households earned $50,000 or less in 2011 and have dependent children, they may be eligible for the tax credit, worth up to $5,800, designed to boost the incomes of working families. Eligibility and credit amount is based on tax filing status, income and number of dependent children. Receiving the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit makes households income eligible for 3SquaresVT, and once approved, then connects them to free school meals, saving them even more money. Many families in Vermont don’t know about the Earned Income Tax Credit or its link to 3Squares and school meals, so please spread the word.  Starting in January, families can call 2-1-1 to find free tax assistance in the community and help applying for 3SquaresVT. Go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com for more information.

 

CAFETERIA ART PROJECT

WE WANT YOUR TRASH!  We are planning some art work for the cafeteria and are asking that you help us collect some items to make large collages and sculptures that will be part of our effort to enforce healthy eating (paper mache fruits, vegetables and healthy foods to hang in the cafeteria) as well as promote awareness of the 4 R's! Re-use, Reduce, Recycle, and Rot (aka compost)!  Please send in any of the following materials to the Nutrition Program that you might otherwise throw away, thanks! 

Wanted Collection List:

BOTTLE CAPS  Plastic (Ie, soda caps, milk caps, laundry detergent caps.) and Metal (certain beverages, and maybe even some jar lids?)

CORKS (plastic or Cork materials)

TOILET PAPER AND PAPER TOWEL TUBES

EMPTY POTATO CHIP BAGS

EMPTY CEREAL BOXES

PLASTIC SILVERWARE (If you were going to pitch it after you use it....you could rinse it and send it in)

*If you have an idea of any additional items that may be useful to create collages, please call and/or bring it in! 

 

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

 

 PTO NEWS AND UPDATE

The PTO will meet on Monday, February 20 at 6:30PM in the library.

 

ANNUAL YOUTH PHOTO CONTEST

The Ammonoosuc Region Arts Council is sponsoring a photo contest for students up to age 18. Deadline for submissions is April 1st. Details are posted on the Community Bulletin Board at BES- online at www.lisbonartsgallery.com- or contact Peter Slattery at 603-747-3932.

 

THE FARMERS MARKET

The next Farmer’s Market will be Saturday, February 25 from 10 to 2 p.m.

 

HAPPENINGS AT THE BRADFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following programs are free and open to the public at the Bradford Public Library-

February 18 at 10AM, ages 10+, Video Game Day

February 22 at 6PM, all ages, movie night “Fern Gully”

February 23 at 2PM, ages 5+, Art Adventures

They now have an online language program, Mango. Be sure to check out their website at http://bradfordvtlibrary.org/

 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ON SALE

Girl Scout cookies will be sold February 25 and March 10 at the Bradford Farmers’ Market, February 25 10-2 PM at Kinney Drugs and Wings Market, March 6 at the Bradford Town Meeting, March 10 10-2 PM at Wal-Mart, March 25 10- 2PM at Bradford Jiffy Mart and Bliss Village Store. You may also contact the Troop leaders, Sonya Grant at 439-5154 or Traci Willey at 222-4567. 

 

ATTENTION YOUNG MUSICIANS

Sunday, March 4^th at 1PM at Bradford Academy Auditorium the local Operation: Military Kids Vermont chapter is offering military youth an afternoon with professional musicians. This event is free for military youths age 12 and up. Email Molly Stone to sign up molly.stone@uvm.edu.

 

NORTHEAST SLOPES HAPPENINGS

Weather permitting, Northeast Slopes will be open during school break. In addition they are hosting 2 fun events-

Sunday, February 19- Vintage Ski Race- 10AM start

Sunday, February 26- Cardboard Box Derby- registration starts at 9:30AM, racing starts at 11AM. The theme is Vermont Strong. Go to www.northeastslopes.org/events for more information.    

 

BENEFIT AUCTION

The Sweet Life Awesomely Decadent Dessert Auction & DJ Party will be held Saturday, February 25 from 6:30-8:30PM at OLPH Community Hall, Upper Plain, Bradford. Auction at 8PM. To benefit local food banks, youth activities and more.   

 

POSTER CONTEST

April is the Month of the Military Child and there will be a Poster Contest, with posters due March 20^th. There is a notice in the front hallway for more details.

 

THE SOCIAL LIFE OF BEARS

Friday, February 24 at 7PM at the Corinth Town Hall there will be a presentation by Ben Kilham on The Social Life of Bears. For more info contact ginny@northernwoodlands.org.

 

CHEERLEADING OPPORTUNITY

The Dartmouth Cheerleading Team will hold clinics for 5-15 year olds on Saturday, February 25 and March 3, at 4PM.. For more info email Dartmouth.cheer.team@dartmouth.edu  or call Diana Kimball-Anderson at 785-4404. Cost is $30.00.

 

 

Dear Parents,

This year is flying by! This week we celebrated our 100th day of school. Next week we will finish up our winter program before we take our February break. As we get ready for the vacation I think it is appropriate to reflect on what we have been working on this year, especially with regard to our Strategic Plan. We have formed (or are in the process of forming) several committees to work on the goals laid out in the strategic plan. Our "Coordinated School Health Team" has been working on nutrition and on the best way to bring more local foods into our cafeteria. We will have our first "Pre-kindergarten Needs Assessment" meeting next week to discuss the possibility of providing those services at Bradford Elementary. We have also been working in partnership with the Bradford Public Library to pilot a foreign language program for our students. Our technology program has also been a major focus this year. Our staff and students have been utilizing iPads in creative ways that are both helping students improve their basic skills as well as providing enrichment opportunities. As a staff, we are thankful to have these tools available to our students and we are looking forward to continuing to invest in our children by providing them with 21st century learning tools. We are continuing our collaboration with Oxbow and Newbury to help ensure that our students are prepared for the next phase of their education. Bradford and Newbury teachers have collaborated to create our new report card. This process has allowed teachers to talk about curriculum and assessments to help ensure that all of our sixth grade students are ready for Oxbow.

Next year is just around the corner and our staff, parents and board are working together to make sure that we continue the good work that we have done this year. We face many challenges but we face them together, as a community, and by working together I know we will continue to succeed.

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Feb 10: PTO Family Movie Night (5:30-8:30) in the cafeteria Feb 11: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 13-15: Dental Van here

Feb 13: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 15: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 17: Last Day of Winter Activity Program

Feb 17: Read a Shirt Day – wear a shirt or clothing that has writing on it

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 20: PTO Mtg @ 6:30pm in the library

Feb 25: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 29: 6th Grade VS staff Hockey game @ 6pm in the gym

THE BOARD CORNER

Our next meeting is Monday, February 13 at 6pm. Agenda items include a guidance report, Summertime Theater as well as an interview for a Bradford representative on the Oxbow Board. In addition, both Matthew Brankman and Don Johnson will be presenting the Principal and Superintendent reports. Please come on out and join the discussions!

PTO MOVIE NIGHT

The next PTO FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT is tonight Friday, February 10, with the feature film "The Wizard of Oz". Doors open at 5:45PM, and the movie starts at 6PM in the cafeteria.

DENTAL VAN DATES

The Dental Van will be here February 13-15

th. Please contact Mrs. Tann for more information.

FREE & REDUCED MEAL FORMS AVAILABLE- BY APPLYING YOU CAN HELP OUR STUDENTS!

Have your financial circumstances changed?

The State of Vermont would like to have 100% of our families fill out an application for Free and Reduced Meals. BES qualifies for many programs based on the number of Free and Reduced applications. We encourage you to apply and we will notify you immediately if you qualify. There is complete confidentiality regarding any level of financial support a child may be receiving. Children come through the serving line in alphabetical order and are scanned using barcode information. Please contact the office for a form.

It’s Tax Season! Time to Save Money and Eat Well

Now that tax season is here again, remember to spread the word about the important link between the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), 3SquaresVT and free school meals. If households earned $50,000 or less in 2011 and have dependent children, they may be eligible for the tax

credit, worth up to $5,800, designed to boost the incomes of working families. Eligibility and credit amount is based on tax filing status, income and number of dependent children. Receiving the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit makes households income eligible for 3SquaresVT, and once approved, then connects them to free school meals, saving them even more money. Many families in Vermont don’t know about the Earned Income Tax Credit or its link to 3Squares and school meals, so please spread the word. Starting in January, families can call 2-1-1 to find free tax assistance in the community and help applying for 3SquaresVT. Go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com for more information.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

With recent storms this is a perfect opportunity to review our notification for school closings. Alert Now is in place and calls go out between 5 and 6AM.

If you did NOT receive a phone call for the recent school closings, please contact the office and we will update our records to make sure you receive a call the next time. Announcements are also made on television Channel 3 and Channel 31.

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office.

Often as we change jobs, discontinue our landline or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. We need accurate and updated information in order to contact you regarding your child.

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc. These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children. We ask that they

not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom. We also cannot insure the safety of these items. If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.

PTO NEWS AND UPDATE

The next BoxTops contest is underway so keep sending in those BoxTops! The added twist to the contest is the student with BoxTops postmarked from the furthest distance to the school will win a special prize. We are already more than half way to reaching our annual goal and with your support we can surpass that goal before the end of the school year. Thank you all for your support!

There are still some 2012 Community Birthday Calendars available at $5.00 each. Please contact Darlene in the front office if you would like to purchase one.

ANNUAL YOUTH PHOTO CONTEST

The Ammonoosuc Region Arts Council is sponsoring a photo contest for students up to age 18. Deadline for submissions is April 1st. Details are posted on the Community Bulletin Board at BES- online at www.lisbonartsgallery.com- or contact Peter Slattery at 603-747-3932.

THE FARMERS MARKET

The next Farmer’s Market will be Saturday, February 11 from 10 to 2 p.m.

HAPPENINGS AT THE BRADFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following programs are free and open to the public at the Bradford Public Library-

February 15 at 6:30PM, Early Literacy Workshop for parents of babies and toddlers

February 18 at 10AM, ages 10+, Video Game Day

February 22 at 6PM, all ages, movie night "Fern Gully"

February 23 at 2PM, ages 5+, Art Adventures

They now have an online language program, Mango. Be sure to check out their website at http://bradfordvtlibrary.org/

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ON SALE

Girl Scout cookies will be sold February 25 and March 10 at the Bradford Farmers’ Market, February 25 10-2 PM at Kinney Drugs and Wings Market, March 6 at the Bradford Town Meeting, March 10 10-2 PM at Wal-Mart, March 25 10- 2PM at Bradford Jiffy Mart and Bliss Village Store. You may also contact the Troop leaders, Sonya Grant at 439-5154 or Traci Willey at 222-4567.

GROCERY SHOPPING CAN BENEFIT BES!

Calling all Price Chopper shoppers! Please be sure to register your AdvantEdge Card online at www2.pricechopper.com and our school code is 49657 or contact the BES office.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

The Valley News recently included their quarterly magazine, Valley Parents, with a Kids Calendar of Events and articles and happenings for children in the Upper Valley. There is copy on the bulletin board in the front hallway.

LOST AND FOUND IS OVERFLOWING!!!

Our lost and found table, located in the back entrance as you enter the main hallway, is overflowing with clothing that has been left here at school. Please label your child’s clothing so we can return articles to their rightful owner. Please stop by before February vacation to see if anything belongs to your child(ren). During vacation the clothes will be removed and donated to area charities.

Dear Parents,

 

Many of you have asked me about the possibility of sending more messages via email.  Over the last few weeks we have been working to get as many parent email addresses as possible so that we can communicate more efficiently.  Today’s newsletter is being sent via email to those people who have provided the school with an address.

If we do not have your email address and you are interested in receiving the newsletter and other announcements via email, please send an email to:  mbrankman@beschool.org and I’ll make sure to add you to our list.  

We are always looking for more effective ways to communicate with parents and community members, so if you have any ideas, please let us know!

 

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Feb 8: 100th Day of School

Feb 8: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: NO Winter Activity Program

Feb 10: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: PTO Family Movie Night (5:30-8:30) in the cafeteria-The Wizard of Oz

Feb 11: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 13-15: Dental Van here

Feb 13: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 16: 6th Grade VS staff Hockey game @ 6pm in the gym

Feb 17: Last Day of Winter Activity Program

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 20: PTO Mtg @ 6:30pm in the library

Feb 25: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

 

Friday, February 10, NO WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

 

THE BOARD CORNER

We had a very productive meeting last week.  Jim McCracken gave a presentation to the board about all the activities happening in place-based education.  In addition, the board saw the first few drafts of possible classroom configurations for next year.  There was an executive session to discuss personnel and reviews.  Both Matthew Brankman and Don Johnson gave their regular reports that included information about the recent bus accident and the continued search for a permanent space for the OESU offices.  Our next meeting is Monday, February 13th at 6pm.  We hope to see you there.

 

FOOD DRIVE DONATIONS NEEDED

The Kindergarten classes are holding a Food Drive for the Bradford Food Shelf. Their goal is to collect 100 food items by February 8^th, the 100^th day of school. All donations are gratefully accepted.

 

DENTAL VAN DATES

The Dental Van will be here February 13-15^th. Please contact Mrs. Tann for more information.

 

FREE & REDUCED MEAL FORMS AVAILABLE- BY APPLYING YOU CAN HELP OUR STUDENTS! 

Have your financial circumstances changed?

The State of Vermont would like to have 100% of our families fill out an application for Free and Reduced Meals. BES qualifies for many programs based on the number of Free and Reduced applications.  We encourage you to apply and we will notify you immediately if you qualify. There is complete confidentiality regarding any level of financial support a child may be receiving. Children come through the serving line in alphabetical order and are scanned using barcode information.  Please contact the office for a form.

 

REPORT CARDS FOR THE 2^ND QUARTER

Report cards went home Monday, January 30th.  In order to verify that each parent receives their child’s report card, we ask that you sign and return the envelope.  We do not hold parent conferences at this time, but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s report card, please feel free to schedule an appointment.

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

With recent storms this is a perfect opportunity to review our notification for school closings. Alert Now is in place and calls go out between 5 and 6AM. If you did NOT receive a phone call for the recent school closings, please contact the office and we will update our records to make sure you receive a call the next time. Announcements are also made on television Channel 3 and Channel 31. 

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs, discontinue our landline or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. We need accurate and updated information in order to contact you regarding your child.

 

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

 

WINTER JACKETS AVAILABLE

We have several brand new warm winter jackets to give away ranging in sizes from children's 4 to youth 20.  Please call or write a note to Susie Tann, School Nurse if you would like one sent home with your child.  All requests are confidential

 

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc.  These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children.  We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom.  We also cannot insure the safety of these items.  If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.

 

PTO MOVIE NIGHT

The next PTO FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT will be Friday, February 10, with the feature film “The Wizard of Oz”. Doors open at 5:45PM, and the movie starts at 6PM in the cafeteria.

 

 PTO NEWS AND UPDATE

The next BoxTops contest is underway so keep sending in those BoxTops!  The added twist to the contest is the student with BoxTops postmarked from the furthest distance to the school will win a special prize.  We are already more than half way to reaching our annual goal and with your support we can surpass that goal before the end of the school year. Thank you all for your support!

 

There are still some 2012 Community Birthday Calendars available at $5.00 each.  Please contact Darlene in the front office if you would like to purchase one.

 

ANNUAL YOUTH PHOTO CONTEST

The Ammonoosuc Region Arts Council is sponsoring a photo contest for students up to age 18. Deadline for submissions is April 1st. Details are posted on the Community Bulletin Board at BES- online at www.lisbonartsgallery.com- or contact Peter Slattery at 603-747-3932.

 

 

 

 

THE FARMERS MARKET

The next Farmer’s Market will be Saturday, February 11 from 10 to 2 p.m.

 

HAPPENINGS AT THE BRADFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following programs are free and open to the public at the Bradford Public Library-

February 15 at 6:30PM, Early Literacy Workshop for parents of babies and toddlers

February 18 at 10AM, ages 10+, Video Game Day

February 22 at 6PM, all ages, movie night “Fern Gully”

February 23 at 2PM, ages 5+, Art Adventures

They now have an online language program, Mango. Be sure to check out their website at http://bradfordvtlibrary.org/

 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ON SALE

Girl Scout cookies will be sold February 25 10-2 PM at Kinney Drugs and Wings Market, March 6 at the Bradford Town Meeting, March 10 10-2 PM at Wal-Mart, March 25 10- 2PM at Bradford Jiffy Mart and Bliss Village Store. You may also contact the Troop leaders, Sonya Grant at 439-5154 or Traci Willey at 222-4567. 

 

GROCERY SHOPPING CAN BENEFIT BES!

Calling all Price Chopper shoppers! Please be sure to register your AdvantEdge Card online at www2.pricechopper.com and our school code is 49657 or contact the BES office.

 

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Today’s Valley News included their quarterly magazine, Valley Parents, with a Kids Calendar of Events and articles and happenings for children in the Upper Valley. There is copy on the bulletin board in the front hallway. 

Dear Parents,

This week our school community experienced a frightening event.  On Tuesday afternoon we were informed that one of our school buses had been in an accident.  Susie Tann and I immediately went to the bus to make sure our students were safe.  Fortunately, the accident, while scary, did not cause serious injuries.  Our students were safely transferred to another bus or dismissed to their parents, and everyone got home safely.

When events like this happen we all react emotionally.  How could we not?  Now that we have had a few days to reflect about what happened, the BES staff is figuring out how we can handle these situations better in the future.  Many of you have called or come in to meet with me to express your concerns and also to make suggestions that will help us improve.  I hope to continue that discussion.

Our school crisis team meets weekly and we will be focusing on this week’s incident for the next few weeks.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please come in, call, or send an email.  Although we all work hard to prevent accidents from happening, we need to help our students to be prepared for emergencies when they occur.  Our staff is committed to continuously learning and improving and your input is valued.

Please have a safe and happy weekend.

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Jan 23: Bread Baking with Ms. Loeffler’s class

Jan 23: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 25: Report Cards sent home

Jan 25: Bread Baking with Ms. Bisson’s class

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 27: PTO Family Movie Night (5:30-8:30) in the cafeteria

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 30: Bread Baking with Mr. Drazin’s class

Feb 3: Winter Activity Program

Feb 8: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: NO Winter Activity Program

Feb 10: PTO Family Movie Night (5:30-8:30) in the cafeteria

Feb 11: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 13: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 15: Para Mtg @ 8:15 in the library

Feb 17: Last Day of Winter Activity Program

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

THE BOARD CORNER

At our upcoming board meeting on Monday, January 23 at 6PM in the Tech Lab, Jim McCracken will be making a presentation on Place Based Education.  In addition we will be adopting the Field Trip Policy and hearing reports from the Superintendent and the Principal.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

PTO NEWS AND UPDATE

The next BoxTops contest is underway so keep sending in those BoxTops!  The added twist to the contest is the student with BoxTops postmarked from the furthest distance to the school will win a special prize.  We are already more than half way to reaching our annual goal and with your support we can surpass that goal before the end of the school year. Thank you all for your support!

 

There are still some 2012 Community Birthday Calendars available at $5.00 each.  Please contact Darlene in the front office if you would like to purchase one.

 

PTO MOVIE NIGHT FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

PTO will be having a Movie Night on Friday, Jan 27. A flyer with all the details will be coming home soon. The PTO will be having movie nights throughout the winter so stay tuned for future dates.

 

2^nd MARKING PERIOD ENDS

Report cards will be sent home Wednesday, January 25th.  In order to verify that each parent receives their child’s report card, we ask that you sign and return the envelope.  We do not hold parent conferences at this time, but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s report card, please feel free to schedule an appointment.

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

With recent storms this is a perfect opportunity to review our notification for school closings. Alert Now is in place and calls went out on Wednesday between 5 and 6AM. If you did NOT receive a phone call regarding the delayed opening on Wednesday, please contact the office and we will follow up to make sure you receive a call the next time. Announcements are also made on television Channel 3 and Channel 31 and radio stations WDEV, WYKR and KIXX. 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs, discontinue our landline or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. We need accurate and updated information in order to contact you regarding your child.

 

WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Please be sure to label all of your child’s equipment and to send your children with layers of warm clothing. We are still looking for volunteers for the program. If you are interested in skiing, snowboarding, x-country skiing, sledding, skating or other various winter activities, please contact Darlene in the front office.

 

WINTER JACKETS AVAILABLE

We have several brand new warm winter jackets to give away ranging in sizes from children's 4 to youth 20.  Please call or write a note to Susie Tann, School Nurse if you would like one sent home with your child.  All requests are confidential

 

FREE & REDUCED MEAL FORMS AVAILABLE

Have your financial circumstances changed? We encourage you to apply for Free and Reduced Meals and we will notify you immediately if you qualify. There is complete confidentiality regarding any level of financial support a child may be receiving. Children come through the serving line in alphabetical order and are scanned using barcode information.  Please contact the office for a form.

 

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE

Girl Scout cookies are on sale now.  If you do not know a Girl Scout and would like cookies, you can contact Troop leaders, Sonya Grant at 439-5154 or Traci Willey at 222-4567.  Also, in later Feb and early March, there will be some booth sales in town and also at the Indoor Farmers Market on Feb 25th and March 10th.

 

                                                                REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS AT THE FARMERS MARKET

On Saturday, January 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Bradford Farmer's Market at BES, fifth graders Isabella Yelle and Maria Reger will distribute free reusable shopping/grocery bags. Their entertaining video presentation will help others understand the hazards of disposable plastic bag use and help make reusable bags part of our community's sustainability hazards. The Bag Project is sponsored in part by the Bradford Conservation Commission. Contact bagproject@hotmail.com to learn more.

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc.  These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children.  We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom.  We also cannot insure the safety of these items.  If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.

 

 

 

Dear Parents,

Last year the community of Bradford came together to work on a strategic plan for Bradford Elementary.  Many of you attended the community forum to give your input as to the direction our school should be heading over the next few years.  As a new member of the community and the school, I was thrilled to have a blueprint to guide me through these

first years as principal.

One of the priorities mentioned in the plan is to investigate the feasibility of providing a public preschool at BES.  Mr. Johnson, our superintendent, the BES School Board and I have spent this school year looking at how this process might look here in Bradford.  On the 28th of November, Manuela Fonseca from the Vermont Department of Education attended a board meeting to go over the steps that need to be required as we work on this part of our strategic plan. The first step in the process is to complete a community needs assessment.

Mr. Johnson and the board have created a committee to complete the needs assessment.  If you would like to be part of this process, please contact Mr. Johnson or myself by January 18th.  I look forward to hearing from parents and other community members as we complete the needs assessment.

As always, I hope everyone has a safe and happy three day weekend.

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Jan 14: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 16: No School

Jan 16: PTO Mtg. @ 6:30pm in the library

Jan 18: Bread Baking with Ms. Bisson’s class

Jan 20: Winter Activity Program

Jan 23: Bread Baking with Ms. Loeffler’s class

Jan 23: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 25: Bread Baking with Ms. Bisson’s class

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 30: Bread Baking with Mr. Drazin’s class

Feb 3: Winter Activity Program

Feb 8: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: NO Winter Activity Program today

Feb 10: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 11: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 13: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 17: Last Day of Winter Activity Program

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

 

NO SCHOOL MONDAY, JANUARY 16^th- INSERVICE

 

THE BOARD CORNER

The Board had a very good meeting this week.  Lynnette Knapp gave a very informative presentation on the math program.  Matthew Brankman updated the board on technology, a potential on-line language program as well as King Arthur Flour Bread Making and Winter Activity program.  In addition there were subcommittee reports from the Facilities, Nutrition and Pre-K committees.  The next meeting is Monday, January 23 at 6pm in the Tech Lab.  We hope to see you there.

 

PTO NEWS AND UPDATES

PTO will be meeting on Monday, January 16th at 6:30 PM in the Library.  There will be discussion on further fundraising for the kiln, some student guests will be attending to talk about school events, and we will start preparing for Staff Appreciation Week.  Hope you can join us.

 

The class winner of the BoxTop contest for last quarter was Mrs. Dubuque’s class. The students in that class enjoyed their ice cream sundaes on Wednesday- lots of smiles!

 

The next contest is underway so keep sending in those BoxTops!  The added twist to the contest is the student with BoxTops postmarked from the furthest distance to the school will win a special prize.  We are already more than half way to reaching our annual goal and with your support we can surpass that goal before the end of the school year. Thank you all for your support!

 

There are still some 2012 Community Birthday Calendars available at $5.00 each.  Please contact Darlene in the front office if you would like to purchase one.

 

FREE & REDUCED MEAL FORMS AVAILABLE

Have your financial circumstances changed? We encourage you to apply for Free and Reduced Meals and we will notify you immediately if you qualify. There is complete confidentiality regarding any level of financial support a child may be receiving. Children come through the serving line in alphabetical order and are scanned using barcode information.  Please contact the office for a form.

 

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

 

2^nd MARKING PERIOD ENDS

Today is the end of the 2^nd marking period and report cards will be sent home Monday, January 23^rd.  In order to verify that each parent receives their child’s report card, we ask that you sign and return the envelope.  We do not hold parent conferences at this time, but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s report card, please feel free to schedule an appointment.

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. 

 

WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Please be sure to label all of your child’s equipment and to send your children with layers of warm clothing. We are still looking for volunteers for the program. If you are interested in skiing, snowboarding, x-country skiing, sledding, skating or other various winter activities, please contact Darlene in the front office.

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

With recent storms this is a perfect opportunity to review our notification for school closings. Alert Now is in place- test calls were done in the fall. If there is a school closing/delayed opening and you do not receive a phone call, please let us know and we will follow up to make sure you receive a call the next time. Announcements are also made on television Channel 3 and Channel 31 and radio stations WDEV, WYKR and KIXX.  An announcement will also be on our answering machine here at school. 

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE

Girl Scout cookies are on sale now.  If you do not know a Girl Scout and would like cookies, you can contact Troop leaders, Sonya Grant at 439-5154 or Traci Willey at 222-4567.  Also, in later Feb and early March, there will be some booth sales in town and also at the Indoor Farmers Market on Feb 25th and March 10th.

 

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc.  These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children.  We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom.  We also cannot insure the safety of these items.  If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.

Dear Parents,

Several times each week the topic of safety at school comes up.  I often tell students that the most important part of our job is to keep each and every student safe.  We do fire drills so that we will know what to do in an emergency.  We develop and communicate expectations for student behavior throughout the school with a strong emphasis on safety.  We work with students on social and emotional learning so that they have strategies when they do not feel safe.

As we begin this year’s winter program, the safety of your students is on every BES staff member’s mind.  Winter program was one of the first things that our students asked me about last year when they interviewed me.  It is a cherished tradition and we want that tradition to continue... safely.  We know that we will not be able to prevent every bump and bruise, but we will work diligently to do just that.

A big part of being safe is having the right gear for the activities that our students are taking part in.  It is Vermont and it is winter, and jackets, hats, mittens/gloves, socks, snow pants and boots should be part of every child’s school gear.  This week the weather turned colder (by Vermont standards at least ...it was -58 this week in Grayling!), and we had students without winter outdoor gear.  Whether you are the parent of a kindergarten student or the parent of a sixth grader (or both), please make sure to send them to school with the appropriate winter clothing.

I hope that each of you had a restful and safe vacation and that you are getting back into the daily routine of work and school.  Transitions back from vacation are notoriously challenging, but we have had a great week at BES and we’re looking forward to a great winter filled with fun and learning.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns give me a call at 222-4077 or email me at mbrankman@beschool.org.

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Jan 9: Bread Baking with Ms. Albright’s class

Jan 9: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 11: Bread Baking with Ms. Albright’s class

Jan 13: Winter Activity Program

Jan 13: End of 2nd Marking Period

Jan 14: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 16: No School

Jan 16: PTO Mtg. @ 6:30pm in the library

Jan 18: Bread Baking with Ms. Bisson’s class

Jan 20: Winter Activity Program

Jan 23: Bread Baking with Ms. Loeffler’s class

Jan 23: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 25: Bread Baking with Ms. Bisson’s class

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 30: Bread Baking with Mr. Drazin’s class

Feb 3: Winter Activity Program

Feb 8: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 10: Bread Baking with Mr. William’s class

Feb 11: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Feb 13: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Feb 17: Last Day of Winter Activity Program

Feb 20-24: NO SCHOOL

Feb 27: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Feb 27: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

 

NO SCHOOL MONDAY, JANUARY 16^th- INSERVICE

 

BOARD CORNER

Happy New Year!  The board is looking forward to another exciting year.  As always, parent involvement is an important part of the process.  Please think about joining us on Monday, January 9th at 6pm in the Tech Lab.  We hope to see you there!

 

PTO MEETING

There will be a PTO meeting on Monday, Jan 16th at 6:30PM in the library.  Please join us.

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. All donations will be delivered to the Bradford Food Shelf. Thank you all for your continued generosity.

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. 

 

WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

The Winter Activity Program began today with great excitement. This program is a key to our success to build on the sense of belonging to a school community. Children of all grades are grouped together with staff that they may not have worked with in the classroom. They realize our school is a caring place where children and adults work together cooperatively to learn and have fun. Winters in Vermont can be long and, for some, depressing. This program exposes our kids to a variety of activities they can engage in. In part it is really a Winter Survival Program. The fact that we have so many parents and others volunteer to help is what makes this work.

 

Please be sure to label all of your child’s equipment and to send your children with layers of warm clothing. We are still looking for volunteers for the program. If you are interested in skiing, snowboarding, x-country skiing, sledding, skating or other various winter activities, please contact Darlene in the front office.

 

 

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Lunch balances are due. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.

 

PASSENGER SAFETY

Winter driving can be very hazardous when we have unexpected spots of ice or slush on the road.  Vermont law requires car seats for children under eight and everyone should always be wearing a seat belt.  While many children ask to ride in the front seat, back seats are proven to be the safest place for children.  Every parent wants to insure the safety of their child, so please insist they ride in the back seat.

 

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc.  These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children.  We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom.  We also cannot insure the safety of these items.  If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.

Dear Parents,

This is a very busy time of year for families and sometimes that can lead to increased stress. Please consider it a priority to make sure the holidays are about recognizing the joyous spirit of this time of year. Trying to stretch yourself to cover all the potential obligations can leave you with no energy or patience for being with your children. The best memories are not about the brightly colored boxes under your tree, it is about the positive feelings generated by sharing the moment together.

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Dec 19: Holiday Caroling @ 6pm – meet on front steps of BA

Dec 19: PTO Mtg. to follow Holiday Caroling at BES library

Dec 21: PRR Poster Making & Holiday Breakfast (8:10-9:30)

Dec 22-30: NO SCHOOL

Jan 4: King Arthur Life Skills Presentation-grades 4-6

Jan 6: Winter Activity Program Begins

Jan 9: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 13: Winter Activity Program

Jan 13: End of 2nd Marking Period

Jan 14: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 16: No School

Jan 16: PTO Mtg. @ 6:30pm in the library

Jan 20: Winter Activity Program

Jan 23: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

 

BOARD CORNER

Happy Holidays from the Board.  We wish you a happy, safe and joyous holiday season.  Celebrate the new year by joining us at our next meeting on January 9th!

 

WINTER BREAK

Our winter break begins Thursday, December 22. School reopens Monday, January 2.

 

A BIG THANK YOU…..

 Thank you, gracias, merci, danke schön, gratia…..

Thank you to everyone that made the Holiday Feast a huge success. It took many helping hands. Once again the Kitchen staff prepared a delicious meal.

 

PTO MEETING

There will be a PTO meeting on Monday, Dec 19th following the holiday caroling.  Please join us.

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school. During December the first graders are collecting items that they will deliver to the Bradford Food Shelf.

 

HOLIDAY CAROLING

Please join the BES community for holiday caroling on Monday, Dec 19th at 6pm.  We will be meeting at Bradford Academy. Bring a flashlight and join us for a night of singing!

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES

The Winter Activity Program will be Friday afternoons beginning January 6 and ending February 17- NOT on February 10. The times are 12:30 to 4:30 for skiing and 12:30 to 2:30 for other activities. Volunteers are needed to assist paraprofessionals in the supervision of students in various activities- ice skating, snow games, arts & crafts, cross country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing and indoor board games. Instructors are needed for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Please contact Darlene at 222-4077 if you can lend a hand in teaching students the basic fundamentals of enjoying Vermont’s winter life. Volunteers make this program a success- thanks for supporting our students and school!   

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. 

 

 UPDATE ON THE BOXTOP CONTEST

Here is the latest tally for the Box Top Contest-

2^nd Dubuque  149

5^th Loeffler  139

2^nd Beaudin   115

Please be sure to support the students and send in the Box Tops labeled for a specific classroom. Thank you!

 

ELECTRONIC GADGETS

This is a good time of year to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, special toys, etc.  These items often are expensive and highly valued by all children.  We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom.  We also cannot insure the safety of these items.  If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children. 

Dear Parents,

Last night the 4th-6th grade students performed in their annual Variety Show.  Students demonstrated the skills they have learned in PE over the last several weeks.  The students did a fantastic job and I was thrilled that the gym was packed. Next week the K-3rd graders will have their annual concert, and I am looking forward to another opportunity for our students to demonstrate their learning

to the community.

The little bit of snow that fell this week made me think of the communication regarding school closing and late starts.  If the superintendent decides on a delayed start or cancellation, you will receive a call from our Alert Now system.  We have used this system twice this year to make other announcements and to ensure that we have the correct numbers for each family.  If you have concerns about whether or not you are on this list, please call.

We have eight more school days before the winter break, and as everyone gets more and more anxious, it will continue to be important to come to school prepared to learn.  Thanks, in advance, for helping your child be successful by getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy breakfast each morning.  I look forward to seeing many of you at next week’s concert and at the upcoming feast as well!

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Dec 10: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Dec 12-16: Dental Van Here

Dec 15: Dress Rehearsal @ 1:15pm in the gym

Dec 15: K-3 Concert & Chorus @ 6pm

Dec 19: PTO Holiday Caroling @ 6pm – meet on BA steps

Dec 19: PTO Mtg. to follow Holiday Caroling at BES library

Dec 21: PRR Poster Making & Holiday Breakfast (8:10-9:30) bell will ring at 7:55AM –watch for details

Dec 22-30: NO SCHOOL

Jan 4: King Arthur Life Skills Presentation-grades 4-6

Jan 6: Winter Activity Program Begins

Jan 9: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 13: Winter Activity Program

Jan 13: End of 2nd Marking Period

Jan 14: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 16: No School/Inservice

Jan 16: PTO Mtg. @ 6:30pm in the library

Jan 20: Winter Activity Program

Jan 23: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

 

BOARD CORNER

The board met Monday evening following an OESU carousel meeting. The board voted to start a feasibility study for publicly-funded pre-kindergarten education.  Reports were given on the use of Memorial Field for sewer project equipment and the progress of the Nutrition Sub-Committee (aka The Coordinated School Health Team).  The Board also participated in a joint board meeting with Newbury and Oxbow on Wed. evening where we talked about technology, ways to improve the transition to Oxbow and the health of our students, as well as the potential for foreign language at the elementary schools. Our next meeting is January 9th.

 

 FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school.  For our Green Jobs Day the students decided that a Food Shelf is vital to a community and as a school we want to support our Food Shelf.

 

WINTER CONCERT FOR GRADES K-3

On Thursday, December 15^th at 6:00 PM there will be a Winter Concert. The K-3 students will be performing in the gym. Please invite friends and family to attend. Students are asked to be in their classrooms by 5:45 PM the night of the concert, wearing nice winter concert attire. The concert is expected to be finished by 7PM. Please call Mrs. Allen with questions at 222-4077 ext. 268.

 

PTO HOLIDAY CAROLING

Please join the PTO for holiday caroling on Monday, Dec 19th at 6pm.  We will be meeting at Bradford Academy. Bring a flashlight and join us for a night of singing!

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for BREAD MAKING

We are looking for volunteers to work with Mr. McCracken and 6-10 students making and kneading bread dough in a morning session 8:15-9:00 - Jan and Feb. The second session will be helping to form bread loaves and free form bread loaves (11:15-11:45) Contact Darlene in the office if interested.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES

The Winter Activity Program will be Friday afternoons beginning January 6 and ending February 17- NOT on February 10. The times are 12:30 to 4:30 for skiing and 12:30 to 2:30 for other activities. Volunteers are needed to assist paraprofessionals in the supervision of students in various activities- ice skating, snow games, arts & crafts, cross country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing and indoor board games. Instructors are needed for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Please contact Darlene at 222-4077 if you can lend a hand in teaching students the basic fundamentals of enjoying Vermont’s winter life. Volunteers make this program a success- thanks for supporting our students and school!   

 

CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?

Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs or get a new cell phone number we forget to notify the school. Thanks for taking the time to send us your current information. 

 

PTO BIRTHDAY CALENDARS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The PTO has Community Birthday Calendars for sale, while supplies last.  Calendars are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the office.

 

DINNER TO SUPPORT THE BOY SCOUTS TONIGHT

The Boy Scouts are having a spaghetti dinner tonight, Friday, December 9th, 5:00-7:00PM at the Congregational Church in Bradford. The menu is spaghetti, meatballs, salad, Colatina Bakery bread, and dessert. The price is $5.00 for kids 12 and under and adults are $8. Please come and support the boy scouts while enjoying a delicious meal.

 

 BRADFORD WINTER MARKET

The BES cafeteria will be the “winter home” of the Bradford Farmers Market. The next market is Saturday, December 10, from 10-2. Be sure to stop in!

 

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS AVAILABLE

Miss Kittredge (the para in Miss Shepard’s room) is accepting new students of all ages for one hour horseback riding lessons, both group lessons at $25.00 per hour and private lessons at $35.00 per hour. Please call Aubrey Kittredge at 603-667-6449 for more information.

 

UPCOMING SKI SWAP AT NORTHEAST SLOPES

Saturday, December 10th from 9am - 1:00pm at Northeast Slopes there will be a SKI SWAP, with many used snowboard boots, ski boots, skis, bindings, winter coats and more available by donation.  To drop off gear, please be there from 8:00am - 9:00am (please no straight skis or x-country).

 

BOOK BONANZA SWEEPSTAKES

Please help BES win books for our school. Through December 31 there is an online competition and 10 schools could win up to $2,500 in books. Go to www.scholastic.com/bookbonanza and complete the online entry form. You can enter daily.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKIERS

Ski Vermont is offering a 5^th grade Passport where 5^th grades can ski and ride for free. Contact Jen Butson at 802-223-2439 or jen@skivermont.com for more information.

Pico Mountain is offering the Academic Excellence Program where students ski at reduced rates at both Pico and Killington. Call 802-422-6857 for more information or email questions to aep@picomountain.com.

Information is available in the office for both programs.

 

 

UPCOMING SANTA SIGHTINGS at WELLS RIVER BANK

Rumor has it that Santa will be at Wells River Savings Bank in Wells River on Friday, 12/9, from 3-5 PM and in Bradford on Saturday, 12/10, from 9:30-11 AM. 

 

TAKE THE STAGE! Performance practice classes

Reach your performance goals by sharing your chosen musical or spoken material with a supportive group each week. These classes will help participants: Develop stage presence, Focus, Stage fright, Evaluate progress, Choosing material that works for you, Create a plan. $50 for six weeks, Wednesdays at 5:30 pm starting 1/11/12 at Bradford Academy auditorium for Ages 8 and up; all ability levels. Space is limited; learn more and sign up at www.dandjmusic.com or call (860) 593-2484

Dear Parents,

This is a very busy time of the year for all of us. The next few weeks will be filled with our variety show, concert and several other events throughout the community.  It is easy to become overwhelmed when we get so busy.  It is easy to lose focus about what is important when we are overwhelmed.  As a staff, our BES team has found that asking the following question helps to keep us on track:

what is best for kids?

Over the last few months, I have had the privilege of getting to know you and your children.  Again and again, I have been impressed at the level of parent advocacy for your students.  Bradford is a community that truly cares about the safety and education of each child.  As our schedules fill up this month and stress levels increase, we will all benefit from taking a moment to think about what is best for our kids.  I hope to see all of you in the days and weeks to come and invite you all to join our conversation about how we can continue serving your students and the

community of Bradford.

 

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Dec 3: Corinth Sno-Scramblers Snowmobile Safety Course 8am-4:30pm in the art room

Dec 3: Winter Clothing Giveaway 9AM-11AM in the cafeteria

Dec 5: 4-6 Progress Reports sent home

Dec 5: Board Mtg. @ 8pm at Oxbow High School (following Carousel Mtg.)

Dec 8: 4-6 Variety Show 4-6 @ 6pm in the gym

Dec 10: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Dec12-16: Dental Van Here

Dec 15: Concert & Chorus K-3 @ 6pm in the gym

Dec 19: PTO Holiday Caroling @ 6pm – meet on front steps of BA

Dec 19: PTO Mtg. to follow Holiday Caroling at BES library

Dec 22-30: NO SCHOOL

Jan 4: King Arthur Life Skills Presentation-grades 4-6; 8:30am in the gym

Jan 6: Winter Activity Program Begins

Jan 9: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 13: Winter Activity Program

Jan 13: End of 2nd Marking Period

Jan 14: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Jan 16: No School/ Inservice

Jan 16: PTO Mtg. @ 6:30pm in the library

Jan 20: Winter Activity Program

Jan 23: Board Mtg. @ 6pm in the tech lab

Jan 27: Winter Activity Program

Jan 28: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

 

BOARD CORNER

The board had a great meeting on Monday that included the principal's and superintendent's reports as well as updating our hiring policy.  In addition, we had a presentation on publicly funded pre-K education.  Look for more on this subject in the near future.  Sam Drazin also gave a report on Green Jobs Day/Inspiring Kids.  All of our teachers are doing a wonderful job providing opportunities for our children to be more compassionate and philanthropic. We had several staff members attend the meeting as well.  Thanks for coming out.  All are welcome! Our next meeting is Monday, Dec. 5th at 8PM at Oxbow after the Carousel meeting at 6PM.  Please note the special time and place.

 

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

The winter clothing give-a-way will be Saturday, December 3 in the cafeteria from 9-11AM. 

 

FOOD SHELF DONATION BOX IN FRONT LOBBY

There is now a donation box for the Bradford Food Shelf in the front lobby of our school.  For our Green Jobs Day the students decided that a Food Shelf is vital to a community and as a school we want to support our Food Shelf.

 

RSVP for the HOLIDAY FEAST on DECEMBER 15th

The kitchen would like to invite family and friends to a Holiday Feast on Thursday, December 15th. For planning purposes RSVP to the office by Friday, December 11^th. The price is $3.25 for adults and children.  The day of the Holiday Feast please check in at the office for your “reservation”. Volunteers are needed Wednesday 9-11AM and Thursday 10:45-1:00PM

 

VARIETY SHOW FOR GRADES 4-6

On Thursday, December 8^th at 6:00 PM there will be a Variety Show featuring students in grades 4-6. Please join us for gymnastic and dance performances. See you there! Since there is no admission fee to attend this event, we are asking our families to bring in a non-perishable item to donate to the local Food Shelf. The first grades will deliver the donated items.

 

 

WINTER CONCERT FOR GRADES K-3

On Thursday, December 15^th at 6:00 PM there will be a Winter Concert with the BES Chorus featuring students in grades K-3.  Be sure not to miss this fun concert! Since this concert is free of charge, we are asking families to bring in a non-perishable item to donate to the local Food Shelf. The first grades will deliver the donated items.

 

PTO HOLIDAY CAROLING

Please join the PTO for holiday caroling on Monday, Dec 19th at 6pm at the front steps of the Bradford Academy. There will be a PTO meeting following the caroling.

 

WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Forms and information on our Winter Activity Program went home last week and were due back today. The program begins Friday, January 6, and ends February 17 and includes Kindergarten students this year. Volunteers are needed, please call the office. 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our HOLIDAY MEAL

We are looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve our holiday meal. Times helping hands are needed are Wednesday, 9-11AM and Thursday, 10:45-1:00PM, 12/14-15.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for BREAD MAKING

We are looking for volunteers to work with Mr. McCracken and 6-10 students making and kneading bread dough in a morning session 8:15-9:00 - Jan and Feb. The second session will be helping to form bread loaves and free form bread loaves (11:15-11:45) Contact Darlene in the office if interested.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES

The Winter Activity Program will be Friday afternoons beginning January 6 and ending February 17- NOT on February 10. The times are 12:30 to 4:30 for skiing and 12:30 to 2:30 for other activities. Volunteers are needed to assist paraprofessionals in the supervision of students in various activities- ice skating, snow games, arts & crafts, cross country skiing, sledding, snow shoeing and indoor board games. Instructors are needed for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Please contact Darlene at 222-4077 if you can lend a hand in teaching students the basic fundamentals of enjoying Vermont’s winter life. Volunteers make this program a success- thanks for supporting our students and school!   

 

 BRADFORD WINTER MARKET

The BES cafeteria will be the “winter home” of the Bradford Farmers Market. The next market is Saturday, December 10, from 10-2. Be sure to stop in!

                                                                    HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS AVAILABLE

Miss Kittredge (the para in Miss Shepard’s room) is accepting new students of all ages for one hour horseback riding lessons, both group lessons at $25.00 per hour and private lessons at $35.00 per hour. Please call Aubrey Kittredge at 603-667-6449 for more information.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT NORTHEAST SLOPES

Friday, December 2nd at 7pm there will be a Pie Auction and a Presentation at the Corinth Town Hall, $10 admission includes pie and tea/coffee. Author and ski historian Jeremy Davis will give a presentation about the Lost Ski Areas of Southern and Central Vermont.  A pie auction will follow and grand prize drawing for a new pair of all-mountain skis from Praxis (www.praxisskis.com).  Historical items from Northeast Slopes will be displayed including a short film. (All proceeds to benefit NES).  Raffle tickets are now on sale at the general stores of E Corinth and Waits River.

 

Saturday, December 10th from 9am - 1:00pm at Northeast Slopes there will be a SKI SWAP, with many used snowboard boots, ski boots, skis, bindings, winter coats and more available by donation.  To drop off gear, please be there from 8:00am - 9:00am (please no straight skis or x-country).

 

BOOK BONANZA SWEEPSTAKES

Please help BES win books for our school. Through December 31 there is an online competition and 10 schools could win up to $2,500 in books. Go to www.scholastic.com/bookbonanza and complete the online entry form. You can enter daily.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKIERS

Ski Vermont is offering a 5^th grade Passport where 5^th grades can ski and ride for free. Contact Jen Butson at 802-223-2439 or jen@skivermont.com for more information.

Pico Mountain is offering the Academic Excellence Program where students ski at reduced rates at both Pico and Killington. Call 802-422-6857 for more information or email questions to aep@picomountain.com.

Information is available in the office for both programs.

 

UPCOMING SANTA SIGHTINGS at WELLS RIVER BANK

Rumor has it that Santa will be at Wells River Savings Bank in Wells River on Friday, 12/9, from 3-5 PM and in Bradford on Saturday, 12/10, from 9:30-11 AM. 

Dear Parents,

Over the next week families will get together and share food, conversation and time as we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving.  As a school community, we have a lot to be thankful for.  We have wonderful students, dedicated teachers and paraprofessionals.  We also have a plethora of people who volunteer to help our students.  Our support staff (office, kitchen, guidance, nurse and facilities) are amazingly dedicated and efficient people and I feel very thankful for all that they do to make this school run.

Yesterday, we hosted our annual Thanksgiving Feast.  The food was delicious, and the event was well planned and executed.  It was wonderful to see parents and staff joining our students for a meal.  Next week we have school on Monday and Tuesday and then we’ll all get a well deserved rest for a few days.  I hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday and that our students come back energetic and ready to continue working hard as our winter vacation approaches. This will be our last newsletter in November. We will not send home a newsletter next week since it is a 2 day week- and when we return to school after Thanksgiving the next newsletter will go out on Friday, December 2nd.

This week is American Education Week and we certainly are proud of the work that is being accomplished at our school.

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Nov 21: PTO Mtg @ 6:30pm in the library

Nov 22: 6th Grade Grandparent/Grandfriend’s Day (8:30-11:30)

Nov 23-25: NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Recess

Nov 26: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Nov 28: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Dec 2: K-3 Morning Assembly

Dec 3: Corinth Sno-Scramblers Snowmobile Safety Course 8am-4:30pm in the art room

Dec 3: Winter Clothing Giveaway 9am-11am in the cafeteria

Dec 8: 4-6 Variety Show @ 6pm in the gym

Dec 10: Winter Farmer’s Market (10-2) in the cafeteria

Dec 12: Board Mtg @ 6pm in the tech lab

Dec 15: Dress Rehearsal @ 1:15pm in the gym

Dec 15: K-3 Concert & Chorus @ 6pm

Dec12-16: Dental Van Here

Dec 19: PTO Holiday Caroling @ 6pm – meet at BA

Dec 19: PTO Mtg to follow Holiday Caroling at BES library

 

 

BOARD CORNER

Susie Tann and Jess Loeffler gave a great report on the progress with our PBIS program.  We also had several other staff members attend as well.  Thanks for coming!  We encourage all of you to try to attend a meeting some time.  Our next meeting will be Monday, November 28th at 6pm in the tech lab.  Or check out the minutes online at http://www.beschool.org/home/bes-board-of-education.

 

HOW TO SAY THANK YOU?

Thank you, gracias, merci, danke schön, gratia…..

Our Thanksgiving Feast was a HUGE success. Thank you to ALL our employees and volunteers who worked so hard to plan, prepare and serve this dinner - 3 employees with the assistance of 7 volunteers. Of the 215 that attended, not one went away hungry! It is amazing the number of hours that go into the preparation and planning and ordering, the set up and clean up, the cooking and serving. Please watch for our Holiday Feast in December and be sure to RSVP.

 

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE PTO

Thank you to everyone that donated gift baskets to the PTO Raffle for a new kiln for the Art room. We raised more than $500! And thank you to everyone that purchased tickets. The lucky winners were notified earlier this week by phone, so many smiling winners walked out of BES with their prize baskets. You all are so generous in supporting your PTO.   

 

WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Forms and information on our Winter Activity Program went home this week. The program begins Friday, January 6, and ends February 17 and includes Kindergarten students this year. Please return your completed paperwork as soon as possible. Volunteers are needed, please call the office. 

 

THANK YOU FROM STYLE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Thank you to all families and Staff for making the first week of our STYLE After School Program a success for your children. We hope you have a great weekend and we'll see you Monday after school!

 

THE PTO GO GREEN/ HEALTHY

LIVING NIGHT IS POSTPONED

 

 

 

 

BRADFORD WINTER MARKET

The BES cafeteria will be the “winter home” of the Bradford Farmers Market. The next market is Saturday, November 26, from 10-2. “Local goods for local people”. Be sure to stop in!

 

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Mrs. Grant’s class is collecting donations of adult and children’s winter items - outerwear, socks, sweaters, hats, mittens- anything to keep us warm this winter! The clothing give-a-way will be Saturday, December 3 in the cafeteria. 

 

OPERATION SANTA CLAUS

Operation Santa Claus marks its 31st year of service to this community.  Families selected will be notified by mail after 12/2 and must pick up the unwrapped gifts on 12/10 at Oxbow. Please mail completed forms to Operation Santa Claus, PO Box 115, Bradford, VT 05033 postmarked by November 19th.

 

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSE

On Saturday, December 3^rd, from 8:30AM to 3:30PM there will be a snowmobile safety course at BES. Anyone born after July 1983 and who is 12 years of age and older must complete a safety course before hitting the trails. For more info or to register by November 25^th contact Chad Osgood at 802-522-3499 or at chad.osgood@siemens.com.

                                     

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS AVAILABLE

Miss Kittredge (the para in Miss Shepard’s room) is accepting new students of all ages for one hour horseback riding lessons, both group lessons at $25.00 per hour and private lessons at $35.00 per hour. Please call Aubrey Kittredge at 603-667-6449 for more information. 

 

BOOK BONANZA SWEEPSTAKES

Please help BES win books for our school. Through December 31 there is an online competition and 10 schools could win up to $2,500 in books. Go to www.scholastic.com/bookbonanza and complete the online entry form. You can enter daily.